This article was last updated on April 16, 2022
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Germany and Canada both took a step closer to qualifying for the 2019 Rugby World Cup, with first-round wins in the fortnight-long repechage tournament at Marseille, France.
The winners of the four-team playoff – involving Canada, Kenya, Germany and Hong Kong – will join the All Blacks in Pool B, alongside South Africa, Italy and Namibia at next year’s tournament.
Germany, the lowest-ranked team in the repechage, stunned top-seeds Hong Kong with a hard-fought 26-9 victory.
A powerful second-half display saw the Germans triumph over a side that was ranked eight places higher in the world rugby rankings going into the match.
Two tries in the final 15 minutes to Kurt Haupt and Matthias Schosser proved the difference, as Germany look to qualify for their first-ever World Cup.
“That was a huge effort – a real fight,” said Germany captain and lock Matthias Poppmeier. “It’s all about getting ready to face Canada now.”
Earlier in the day, Canada also made a winning start to the tournament, as they try to preserve their record of appearances in every Rugby World Cup, scoring 10 tries in a 65-19 defeat of Kenya.
Outside back DTH van der Merwe scored three of the Canucks’ tries, while Chiefs lock Tyler Ardron also found his way over the line.
Leading 27-12 at halftime, Canada’s powerful pack proved too strong for the lighter Kenyans, as the North Americans pulled away with six converted second-half tries without reply.
Germany and Canada will square off next, after Hong Kong play Kenya in the second round of matches on November 18.
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